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Better Know a Skeptics: 10 Questions for Mike Lacelle

“Better Know a Skeptic” is a series of articles introducing the members of the Ottawa skeptics by asking ten questions.

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Name: Mike Lacelle

Screen name:Mike

Member Since:Day 1 I guess, I was at the Ottawa Skeptics prequel meeting at the Elephant & Castle over 1 year ago. But I’m really on-again,off-again when it comes to participating in group stuff (which I plan to change, eventually).

I’m a 30 year old human fighter/ranger, male. I work in the insurance industry. I’m very happily married. I have an annoying dog and a loud cat. In my spare time I do a lot of volunteer work for the New England Skeptical Society.2) Why are you a “skeptic”? Was there a “wow” moment?

In October 2006 I saw Randi on an episode of P&T’s BS, that got me interested. Shortly after I came across The Skeptics’ Guide to the Universe podcast and became a huge fan (one could say the #1 fan). I guessI have always been a skeptic, but the skeptical movement has given me the tools and knowledge to develop that further.3) What are your hobbies/interests?

My biggest interest (aside from the skeptical movement) is traveling. My wife and I take at least 4-5 trips every year. We’ve been to Cuba this year, are planning to go to Connecticut and New York in March, Florida in April, Vegas in July (TAM7!!), Mexico in September and probably another CT/NY trip sometime in late fall. Oh, and Australia with the SGU gang in 2010.

Other than traveling, I enjoy reading, video games and anything sour.4) What are you passionate about at the moment?

At the moment my wife and I are in the process of adopting two children from Ottawa, that is what I am passionate about.

5) Do you have a hero? Why him/her?

Steven Novella. For being a great mentor and an awesome friend.

6) If you could have dinner with 5 people, dead or alive, who would they be and why?

I like almost any music, I mean christ I’m going to see NKOTB in March (pause for laughter). I especially like Metallica. I don’t have a favourite sports team, unless Team Canada (in any sport, any division) counts. Oh, I like the Victoria’s Secret catwalk team.

TV Shows: House, Mentalist, Dexter, Lost, P&T: BS, Mythbusters.

Movies: Back to the Future, Ghostbusters, Scarface, Expelled (hah, justkidding)

Books: Demon-Haunted World, Trick or Treatment, Big Bang.

8) What grinds your gears?

SCAM proponents, Anti-vaxxers, ATU Local 279.

9) Tell me something I don’t know about you.

In my teens, I briefly practiced Wicca. Don’t laugh, or I will have the Goddess smite thee with a fig newton curse.

10) Why are we here?

I don’t know why you’re there, but I’m at work right now. Why? To make money to pay bills and to be able to travel as much as I do.